MT. ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH A congregation of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC)

4065 Mt. Zion Rd. Lucas, Ohio 44843 419-892-2023 Pastor Eric Steward 757-876-6572 pastormtzion@embarqmail.com

Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. ~ Morning Worship at 10:30 a.m. Email us at mtzionlutheran1@embarqmail.com Visit our website at www.mtzionlutheranchurch.org

The ECHO Volume 2018, Issue 6

Mt. Zion Lutheran

Church

June 2018

PASTOR’S CORNER

Boy what a difference a month makes. This time last month,

everything still looked dead and I was beginning to wonder if Spring

would ever show its face. Then bang, a few days of warm temperatures

coupled with some rain and everything is green and blooming. It is the

green season, in more ways than one. We have entered the green season

on the church calendar. It is often known as “ordinary” time. However,

there is nothing ordinary about it…in fact it should be known as extra-

ordinary time. Green is the symbol of growth and it is during this time we are called to grow both

individually and as a body. The Scripture readings will walk us through Paul’s second letter to the

Corinthians and his letter to the Ephesians focusing on our growth in Christ and how to make disciples as

Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in

the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have

commanded you. And behold I am with you always, to the end of the

age.”

Our journey through the Easter season led us to the celebration of

Pentecost and a worship service celebrating 200 years of ministry here

at Mt. Zion. In that worship Service, Bishop Bradosky challenged us

all to fan the flames that started on that first Pentecost. This goes hand

in hand with the Great Commission. The Christian and the Church

can do nothing apart from the Holy Spirit. In his letter to the North

American Lutheran Church, Bishop Bradosky calls for the church to

allow the Holy Spirit to transform us and our ministry, making us aware and willing to grow and mature in

all that it means to be called, enlightened and sanctified in the one true faith in Jesus Christ as individuals,

congregations and the Body of Christ. The fire of the Holy Spirit will cause us to grow and become fearless

in sharing our faith in Jesus Christ with others. During this extra-ordinary time we need to ask the Holy

Spirit for help in finding spiritual solutions to care for others, praying with them, anointing them, asking

Christ for discernment, direction and knowledge about their problems so he can use us for greater healing in

their lives. Do you think that we can then become less resistant to the reality of miracles, healing, signs and

wonders and trust in the Holy Spirit to act with power as it is described in the book of Acts? It is this same

Holy Spirit, first manifest at Pentecost, that is at work in Christ’s mission of making disciples. It is the Holy

Spirit that forms faith, transforms life, produces genuine love for others and equips us for the mission of

“making disciples of all nations.”

Brothers and Sisters of Mt. Zion. our world, our community today needs more from the Body of Christ

than just our words of love and tolerance and acceptance…it needs action. People are confused as family is

anyone who cares and love is defined as how we feel or worse yet by our selfishness. Relationships are un-

derstood as how many friends or followers I have on social media leaving us more empty than fulfilled. Fear

and not wanting to feel has manifested itself in the epidemic levels of drug addiction, depression and suicide

rates among our children. The world, our community needs what only Christ can bring — redemption and

salvation.

From the very beginning, the disciples filled with the Holy Spirit

made a difference. They were on fire, yet were green with growth with

the love of Christ flowing through them. So the question to ask is how

we, the congregation of Mt Zion can make a difference in this culture?

If what we are doing isn’t working, what should we do? Jesus said, set

it on fire! If you want the church to have power, Jesus said, set it on fire! We are to set the church on fire so

that our community can catch it, then we can see the green of growth during this extra-ordinary time.

I know what your question is…how do we do this? We have the perfect opportunity this year, the year of

our 200th celebration to catch fire. In July, we will have an old fashion ice cream social complete with family

fun activities. But beyond that, as summer begins, lets take the opportunity to invite the neighbors for a cook

out. Let’s get involved in lives of those who need a hug or a smile or a lift to the store. Let’s not roll over or

stay silent in conversations but replace falsehood with truth. Let us allow the fire warm our hard hearts and

show the passion of Christian love, offering hope to the hopeless, love to the

loveless even when it is inconvenient. Let us be Christ to someone who does

not know Him. Let’s set the Church on fire! This fire of light and truth can

change our community. It will transform the lives of individuals and it is the

only power we have, and it is all we need.

Go and Serve,

Pastor Eric

On Saturday, July 14, from 2-8 p.m. our second event

brings something for the entire family. It’s an old-fashioned

Ice Cream Social and Celebration, featuring food, fellowship

and fun! There will be activities for children (bounce hous-

es, obstacle course, carnival type games), plenty of historical

information to pour over, and parishioners acting as historical

characters who feature several prominent figures in Mt. Zi-

on’s history. The Fun Center Chordsmen will also perform

from 4:30 to 5:15. We will finish the evening with a worship

service (hopefully outdoors) centered on the German begin-

nings upon which our present day liturgy was built. See the

bulletin board for opportunities to help.

May 10, 2018

Attendance: Nate Arnold, Audrey Cook, , Martha Dourson, Mary Fowler, Bill Grubaugh, Jim Tomlinson,

Pastor Eric Steward. Ralph Hall was excused

Pastor Eric opened the meeting with a devotion about the first petition of the Lord's prayer and a prayer.

Minutes were handed out and read. Martha Dourson made a motion to accept the minutes. Nate Arnold

seconded. Motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT

David Culler gave the treasurer’s report. April expenses were $7,098.85, income was $9,270.57. For the

month of April were are in the black +2,171.72. YTD we are in the red -2,572.44.

For the restoration we have received 18 pledges totaling $62,440.

Bill Grubaugh made a motion to accept the treasurer's report, Mary Fowler seconded.

Motion carried.

Update on the Restoration

Bushes in the front have been torn out. Landscaper is supposed to have the front done by May 20.

Retaining wall around the sign is done.

Remaining carpet and tile will be completed for May 20th service

PASTOR'S REPORT

1st communion classes started for children in the 5th grade

Wednesday night Bible Study has started

Catechism dinner with students and parents was held

Helped move and reinstall church pews

Friends and family packets mailed re: 200th Celebrations and Restoration

VBS scheduled for 7/23-7/26 - “A Mighty Fortress” at St. Michael

Home Communions: 0 Home Visits: 4

Youth Retreat: 1 Sermons Preached: 5

Special Services: 1 (Easter sunrise) Children's Sermons: 4

Parishioner Consultation: 2 Adult Sunday School: 4

Catechism: 2 (overnight retreat) Church Council: 1

Food Pantry: 2 LAMA: 1

Vacation: April 18-24

OLD BUSINESS

The semi-annual congregational meeting will be held May 27,2017.

NEW BUSINESS

Martha suggested that we get a report regarding “On The Outs” and what is happening with this

group.

Nate stated that we should continue to print bulletins, some people want them. We will print an

abbreviated version, with page numbers of where things can be found in the hymnal

Dave Culler said he would be on council if nobody else will do it.

Bill Grubaugh said it has been a privilege to serve on Council

Pastor Eric thanked Bill and Jim Tomlinson for their service

Audrey C. moved to adjourn. Nate A. seconded. Motion carried.

We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Audrey Cook, Council Secretary

April:

Income Expenses Difference

$9,270.57 7,098.85 + $2,171.72

YTD

Income Expenses Difference

$27,677.73 $30,250.17 - $2,572.44

In the not too distant future: Vacation Bible School is July 23 -26 at St Michael. The theme is “A Mighty Fortress”. If you would like to help out, con-tact the pastor.

The Origin of Father’s Day

One Sunday in 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd lis-tened to a sermon honoring mothers. Her moth-er had died some years before, so her father had raised her by himself. Dodd wondered why there wasn’t a day to honor fathers, so she arranged a tribute to her father at a church in Spokane, Washington. The date was June 19, 1910. Many people believe this was the beginning of Father’s Day. Another account holds that a West Virginia church held a tribute service for fathers in 1908, following a mine explosion that killed 360 men. Regardless of which story is correct, President Calvin Coolidge was the first president to desig-nate a special day to honor fathers. In 1924, he proclaimed the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day.

BICENTENNIAL NEWS

Bicentennial Notecards are available in the

educational wing (in the box on the bench). They

come in a pack of 12 (four of each church image) at a

cost of $10.00. Please fill out an order form with your

payment.

Paver and T-shirt orders are still being taken. Forms

are on the table in the education wing entrance.

If you would like to receive order forms by mail

please contact the church secretary and a packet will

be sent to you.

The Old Rugged Cross

Sometime in the 1960’s the Mt Zion church council discussed possible changes to the sanc-

tuary, and the foremost idea was a cross made from hand-hewn beams. Over the current

altar at that time was a small wooden cross on top of a wood frame mounted to the wall.

On the altar sat a beautiful brass/gold plated cross. A hand-hewn cross would be like The

Old Rugged Cross we sing about, a closer reminder of what our Lord was actually nailed to.

Yet, when and how was that idea was realized?

Pastor Jay Brown came to Mt Zion in 1967, just before our 1968 sesquicentennial. There

were big celebrations in ‘68, and the Monument Rock was one of the highlights. News arti-

cles about the celebration and the

sesquicentennial booklet made no

mention of a “new” sanctuary cross.

Photos of weddings from 1969 show

the sanctuary as it was, with the

brass cross on the altar.

Then came a lead:

“An imposing feature of the church

interior is a 15- foot cross back of the

altar. It is made from hand-hewn

timbers from the old Newville Meth-

odist church, also one of the earlier

churches in the county.”

So wrote Virgil Stanfield in his 1972 News Journal article “Indians Didn’t Bother Pioneer

Church.” When it became part of Mt Zion must have something to do with the fate of the

Newville Methodist Church.

The Newville Methodist Church was established in the small village of Newville, Ohio about

1834. A new building was erected sometime in the late 1800’s. Tom Lindeman shared a

photo of the typical country church in his 1967 News Journal article about the possibility of

the church closing its doors.

In the 1930’s the Army Corps of Engineers proposed building dams at what is now Charles

Mill and Pleasant Hill, to protect against potential flooding. Newville, lying along the Clear

Fork stream, was in the Pleasant Hill path. The town of Newville was essentially bought out

by the government and the townspeople and businesses had no choice but to move. The

Newville Baptist Church people moved their building to its current spot on Possum Run and

Swigart Roads, and in the meantime its congregation held services in the Newville Method-

ist Church. No mention was made of the Methodist Church moving. Tom Lindeman says the

church did move once, in 1922, “from the cemetery across State Route 95 to its present lo-

cation near Pleasant Hill Road.”

According to Ron Simon in his NJ article of 31 May 1999, the town of Newville never was

flooded by the dam project. So in the end the Methodist Church building was not affected

by the dam, but the people no doubt had been unduly distressed.

The Methodist Church continued services until 1967, when a vote was taken, whether to

close or stay open for another year. Rev. George Lee was the pastor. They voted to stay

open. Rev. Lee began his service there as well as at Widowsville Methodist and Miffln Evan-

gelical United Brethren in 1966. In 1968 he was assigned to the Galion Circuit.

Though now retired, Rev. Lee still preaches, as an interim in Niles, OH. In a phone conversa-

tion he recalled a blizzard in January of 1968. With 15.8 inches of snow, area churches and

business closed; Newville Methodist among them. At the end of three weeks, the State told

Newville they could not reopen, and since the State owned the property, Newville had to

comply. Members were permitted to take whatever articles they could from the sanctuary,

even the pews.

There are no news articles that reveal the dismantling of the church. However, just recently,

in updating memorial records for Mt Zion, Amity Arnold found this entry:

Large Wood Cross (behind altar) - 1971 - The Memorial Thank-Offering Fund - The cross timbers came from the Methodist Church of Newville as that church building was being

torn down and these beams were obtained from that building to make the cross.

From Newville Methodist to Mt Zion Lutheran, this is origin of our cross.

May the spirit of all those who worshiped under those beams at Newville Methodist encour-

age the spirit of those who worship under this Old Rugged Cross.

During the month of June, you are encouraged to greet and pray for these members and

friends of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.

**If there is anyone you would like to add to our Birthday/Anniversary list either in honor of, or in memory of,

please contact the Church Office with your request! Thank you!

During the month of June, we THANK these members who are offering

their service to the church in various ways:

Lector Acolyte Fellowship Time

3 Lee Cook Emily Smollen Marie McKenna

10 Jackie Arnold Page Arnold Mary Tomlinson

17 Kathy Grover Jessica Grover

24 Martha Dourson Tristen Arnold Audrey Cook

Ushers Jude and Gary Cook

Communion Nate Arnold

Offering Counters Martha Dourson and Ralph Hall

Altar Guild Jackie Arnold and Audrey Cook

03 Ryan Culler

04 Scott Cooper

04 Brady Anschutz

04 Gene Steward

10 Jeb Grover

12 Jackie Arnold

13 Janet Grover

17 Andrew Culler, Sr.

18 Melinda Hall

19 Janet Grubaugh

24 Shelby Cooper ( In Memory)

25 Elaine Baughman

29 Atticus Hall

05 Dan & Audrey Gaston

06 Tim & Joyce Boggs

08 Bill & Janet Grubaugh

13 Joe & Jackie Arnold

14 Ron & Patty Robertson

20 Mike & Joanie Smith

27 Judd & Jessica Cook

What’s so special about being ordinary?

We spend most of our lives to strive to do better, to excel and become someone “special” in society, because that is what society expects from us. I guess that would be considered the WORLD VIEW of expectations. We have all seen the acronym of “WWJD” at one time or another, so let’s try to understand just what Jesus would do. Jesus had at his beckoning some of the top theologians of his time so who did he choose to spread his teachings, ordinary people, just like the rest of us, people who were not especially gifted in the art of communication or those who studied the scrolls of Jewish tradition. We have just studied the entrance of the Holy Spirit onto the scene to be within the twelve disciples. These twelve were not special prior to being known as the twelve disciples, they were ordinary people, chosen by an extraordinary person. A person who was sent by God to do something extraordinary, to die on the cross for all the sins we have and continue to commit. Remember this phrase:

A Nobody telling Anybody about Somebody who can save Anybody. These were the Disciples that Jesus chooses to spread God’s word. Ordinary people, a group of men charged with the responsibility to go out among all the world and tell about God’s own son and the power of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit is within all of us and is our strength to do the same as those twelve men did so many years ago. We have seen how a group of people who have a single focus in mind can accomplish great things. Mt. Zion is a group of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the glory of God. This past Sunday was an example of such an act. Our congregation has a lot to be proud of in the renovation of our church. I believe that our forefathers and foremothers would be very happy to see that our congregation has stepped up to the plate and preserved what they had made. This has not been an easy task and many people gave many hours of research and work to make it happen. The phrase “WE SERVE” has been coined by a group called “Lions Clubs International” but I believe that Mt. Zion can also share in the same phrase except that we need to add a little more to the phrase. Mt. Zion can also include: “OUR GOD” to the phrase. With the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we can do anything. Yes, ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the Glory of GOD. It has been my pleasure to serve the congregation of Mt. Zion as the president of council for the past year and look forward to seeing a new person take that position. Serving does not stop at the end of a term but just changes phases. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. In His Name, Jim Tomlinson, Council President

Congratulations to those graduating this year

Jackson Hauger – Lucas High

Melvin McKenna Jr – Lucas High (Pioneer)

Elyse Laps – Ashland High

Emily Barrett – Kent State

Please include these brothers and sisters in Christ in your prayers:

Mark Alt (Uncle of Kathy Grover), Patricia Dourson (Mother

of Member), Al Fowler (Husband of Mary Fowler), Janet

Grover (Member), Grace Kintz (Member), Tom Lyons,

Lucille Maglott (Member), Rev. Sanford Mitchell (Retired

Pastor, Trinity – Ashland), Jameson Taylor (Son-in-Law of

Bill and Jan Grubaugh), Ethel Oaklief (Member), Richard

Orewiler, Sara Schwendeman, Kay Zgela, Darell Harless,

Becky Kahl.

Thanks again to all those who put in countless hours for the 200th anniversary worship service last Sunday. The church looked beautiful and the service was won-derful. This would not have happened with-out the many hands working.

For the month of June, the Wednesday night Bible

study will be at St. Michael, continuing the study of

Acts, beginning at 7 pm for dessert, fellowship and

study.

Short History of Mt. Zion

Found in the church attic was a paper titled “A Short History of Mt Zion”, author

unknown. A portion reads “Prior to 1818, and atop a hill, soon to be called Mt Zion, families

would gather in log cabins or barns for worship services. There were no ministers in the area,

and most of the settlers, being of German Lutheran heritage, were dependent upon the

occasional services of an ordained man who made periodic calls in their vicinity. The circuit

rider supplied the Lutheran frontiersmen by covering mile after mile astride his faithful

horse.”

Mt Zion was the first church organized in Monroe Township, Richland County, OH.

The first building was made from logs. Three more churches were built, each one

constructed just a little further north from the first one. Our current church now stands

“across the road” from the first Mt Zion, on the site where the third church completely

burned in 1948. Upon learning of that 1948 loss, a former pastor, Rev. Frank Heibert, wrote

to Mt Zion’s minister, Rev. Curtis Stacy:

“As the oldest living pastor of the church, let me say to you and the congregation, that

I am sorely grieved over the sudden and unexpected loss of the majestic old Mt. Zion church

building, which has stood the test of time for many, many years. Something has gone out of

my life. Sixty nine years ago, as a boy of sixteen --a lay delegate to Conference-- I had my

first contact with this building now in ashes. But I have faith to believe another will rise to

take its place, in which the worship of God will be continued as in the days gone by, and old

Mt. Zion will live to bless the lives of many more. I shall watch, with great interest, every

move you good people are able to make, in your effort to change this misfortune into a

crowning glory. May God help you and guide you in the great task.”

Mt Zion’s people, with the Lord’s guidance, did complete that task and a new church

was dedicated the 19th of November 1950. An educational wing was dedicated May 12, 1963.

Today our Heavenly Father has granted us the privilege to celebrate 200 years, to remember

the past and to serve in the future, however He chooses to lead us.

Interesting Facts

There have been 39 ministers, not including interims in our 200 years.

We’ve raised 11 Sons of Mt Zion.

One minister served twice, twenty years apart, Rev. Francis J. Ruth.

One pastor died while in service to Mt Zion, Rev. Bryan Dadlow

The longest serving pastor, Rev. Donald Saylor, ministered 18 years.

Rev. George Bright served 15 years; Rev. C.B.A. Stacy 10 years, and Rev. Ruth a total of

12 years.

At one time there were two entrances, one for men and one for women.

Descendants from the first founders still worship at Mt Zion.

The 58th Session of the Wittenberg Synod met at Mt Zion in 1904. Close to 150 delegates

were present; many were hosted by congregation members for the 5 day session.

At one time we were called “the Mt Zion Charge” which included us, Mifflin, Lucas and St

John’s.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Pastor in office 11-4

2

3

1st Communion

Class

4

Karen in office

9-12

5 Pastor in office 11-5 Karen in office 9-11

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Pastor in office at

12

7 Pastor in office 10-5 Elaine in office 10-3

8 Pastor in office 11-4 LAFP Delivery

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LAFP Distribu-

tion

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1st Communion

Class

11

Karen in office

9-12

12 Pastor in office 11-5 Karen in office 9-11

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Pastor in office at

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14 Pastor in office 10-5 Elaine in office 10-3

15 Pastor in office 11-4

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17

1st Communion

Class

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Karen in office

9-12

19 Pastor in office 11-5 Karen in office 9-11

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Pastor in office at

12

21 Pastor in office 10-5 Elaine in office 10-3

22 Pastor in office 11-4 LAFP Delivery

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LAFP Distribu-

tion

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1st Communion

Class

25

Karen in office

9-12

26 Pastor in office 11-5 Karen in office 9-11

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Pastor in office at

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28 Pastor in office 10-5 Elaine in office 10-3

29 Pastor in office 11-4

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June 2018

Mt. Zion Lutheran Church

4065 Mt. Zion Road

Lucas, OH 44843